Disorder Induced Nonlinear Mode Coupling and Symmetry Breaking in Amorphous Solids

Abstract: Applying very small purely radial strains on amorphous solids in radial geometry one observes elastic responses that break the radial symmetry. Without any plasticity involved, the responses indicate nonlinear mode coupling contributions even for minute strains. We show that these symmetry-breaking responses are due to disorder, typical to amorphous configurations. The symmetry breaking responses are quantitatively explained using the classical Michell solutions which are excited by mode coupling.